The decisive battle against the Third Reich - #924 - Chapter 921 Civil War
“Thank you, my sergeant!” When parting, Annette said gratefully to Qin Chuan: “Countless times, I have been thinking about Antoine’s problem. I am worried that one day I will see it in the sniper scope. The idea of seeing Antoine’s face makes me crazy, but now… I finally don’t have to worry about this problem!”
“This is what I should do, Annette!” Qin Chuan said: “Forgive me for not staying too long, because we are leaving again!”
“I know!” Annette showed a bitter smile: “It’s just the distance!”
“It’s not just distance!” Qin Chuan said: “There’s also war. Protect yourself!”
“I will, and so will you!”
This meeting can be regarded as settling Qin Chuan’s worries… The French group finally no longer hesitated.
But if that’s all, Qin Chuan thinks it’s not enough.
“We should give them more freedom!” Qin Chuan said to Colonel Slaine after returning to the army.
“What?” asked Colonel Slain. “You mean the French regiment?”
“Yes!”
“But they are French!” Colonel Slain said: “If you give them too much freedom, they may join the Allies in resisting us!”
“No, Colonel!” Qin Chuan replied: “As long as we guard the ‘Maginot Line’, the British and Americans will maintain their presence and control in France, which means they will not give the French government real freedom. And if we can give the French regiment real freedom…”
Colonel Slain couldn’t help but nodded: “Then, the French in southern France will support them, and even the French in the north will support them!”
“Yes!” Qin Chuan said: “Because they are an army truly determined by the French, not the Vichy government controlled by us!”
“But they are still under our control!”
“Oh, yes!” Qin Chuan nodded.
After all, the French regiment is a French regiment. Even if Germany gives them a certain degree of freedom, they still cannot get rid of their relationship with Germany.
“So!” Qin Chuan said, “If the time is right, I think we can let them organize an uprising!”
“Uprising?” Colonel Slaine couldn’t help but widened his eyes: “Are you crazy? Do you mean to let them escape our control?”
“Why not?” Qin Chuan replied: “First of all, they would not want to be controlled by Britain and the United States for the first time. Secondly, they know that De Gaulle will disband and integrate them, so it is almost impossible for them to go together with the Allies!”
“But if that’s the case, they won’t listen to us!” Colonel Slain said: “They will consider their own interests!”
“What’s the difference?” Qin Chuan replied: “Do you know what will happen, Colonel? Civil war! De Gaulle recruited the guerrillas and dismissed their officers in order to avoid civil war. If we can successfully provoke a civil war, then I believe… …It would be much more effective than ordering them to fight the Allies!”
Colonel Slain couldn’t help but nodded slightly: “You should tell General Rommel this idea!”
“Of course!” Qin Chuan replied: “But not now!”
It is obviously too early to say at this time, because the strength of the French regiment is still too weak. Even if it successfully provokes a civil war, the French regiment will not be able to withstand the attack of the Allies or the “Fighting France”.
It is not easy to do this, and there will be many variables and even fierce conflicts in the process. But once it is done, France will not only not be a help to the Allies but will become a trouble for the Allies, just like what Greece is doing at this time. Same as the civil war.
If Baudouin and Antoine are smart enough, Qin Chuan believes that they will also use this to gather the hearts of the people in southern France… After all, there are already “arrests and liquidations” in northern France and the control of the French regime by Britain and the United States. The French regiment carried the banner of “French independence” and could easily form a sharp contrast with the north.
Of course, Qinchuan does not need to worry about these for the time being. The most important thing at the moment is that the “Maginot Line” can block the Allied attack, otherwise everything will be in vain.
The 21st Armored Division marched to Margaret and boarded the train.
The traffic situation in southern France is much better than that in northern France. This is mainly because northern France was bombed by the Allied forces from all directions, the railways have basically stopped operating, and the roads can often only be used at night.
In the south, because the distance was far and the Allies believed that there was no need for bombing, the railways and roads were basically intact.
The train took several days to reach Italy, and then crossed the Alps from Italy into Germany, which meant that it circled around and returned to the “Metz Fortress” on the German-French border.
When the train entered Italy, Alfredo felt a little emotional.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been home, right, Alfredo?” Qin Chuan asked Alfredo, who was looking out the window intently.
“Yes, Lieutenant Colonel!” Alfredo replied.
“Maybe we should give you a holiday!” Qin Chuan said.
“Are you serious, Lieutenant Colonel?” Alfredo looked at Qin Chuan with wide eyes.
“Of course!” Qin Chuan replied.
Alfredo almost jumped with excitement, but he quickly calmed down: “Sir, thank you for your kindness, but I think…at this time, they may not approve it!”
“You’re right!” Qin Chuan said, “If you ask for leave, of course they won’t approve it!”
At this tense moment when the two armies are fighting, even the Italian army has been urgently mobilized to coordinate with the German mountain divisions to defend the Alps. This can be seen from the cars full of Italian soldiers everywhere outside the car window.
But as mentioned before, the Italian army is mainly responsible for transportation tasks… If we expect them to be able to hold a certain place, it is better to give the defense line to the Allies, because at least the Allies will not get more Supplies and ammunition.
“Yes, sir!” Alfredo replied with some disappointment: “I understand, so I don’t have any hope!”
“But we don’t have to ask for leave, Alfredo!” Qin Chuan replied.
“Then…what is it?” Alfredo had a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
“I have read your information, Alfredo!” Qin Chuan said, “You are from San Marino, right?”
“Yes, sir!” Alfredo replied immediately.
“I heard that there is a group of German instructors there who are training Italian soldiers!” Qin Chuan said: “You know, they will be sent to the Alps to cooperate with the German mountain divisions to defend against possible Allied attacks! So, They are in great need of a translator like you, and you are also a veteran and an outstanding soldier from the 1st Infantry Regiment. If I help you apply to be an instructor, I believe they will accept it!”
“Thank you, sir!” Alfredo was so moved that he almost shed tears: “Thank you very much!”